Blue Ribbon Rye Bread

Blue Ribbon Rye Bread

Ingredients:

• 1 package active dry yeast
• 1 Tbsp. sugar
• 2-1/4 cups warm water
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup shortening
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 1 Tbsp. caraway seeds
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 cup rye flour
• 3-1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water.
2. Stir in the brown sugar, shortening, molasses, caraway seeds and salt.
3. Add rye flour and 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour; beat until smooth.
4. Stir in enough remaining all-purpose flour to form a soft dough.
5. Turn dough onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, 6-8 minutes.
6. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
7. Punch dough down; shape into 3 loaves. Place on greased baking sheets. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
8. Bake at 350 F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool.